Semi-Truck Accident 101: What Every Passenger Car Driver Should Understand

Going Beyond Accident Coverage

12 October 2020 by Kenneth Graham

Insurance is certainly a good thing, but it may not cover every need after an accident. If you have been injured by a careless driver, you may not be satisfied with the coverage provided and the payment offered by the other driver. It can be incredibly frustrating to be hurt, without transportation, and to be financially impacted by an accident that was not your fault. Accident victims need to understand what to expect from the other driver and how to get it, so read on and find out more.

What Might Be Offered

It's important for victims to rely not on what the other guy's insurance offers but what you deserve. For example, auto insurance commonly pays the medical expenses of the victim but they may limit the amount paid to less than you owe. Medical bills can be very high and medical collections can be aggressive. Here are a few common shortfalls you can expect from an insurer:

1. Denial of payment for unusual medical expenses like a helicopter flight to a trauma center.
2. Lack of future medical expenses. Once you agree on a settlement, you might later need more surgery or other care.
3. No permanent injury coverage. If you are no longer able to work, who replaces that income?
4. No lost wages reimbursement. Most accidents involve several missed days, if not weeks, from work.
5. Nothing for pain and suffering. This is almost never offered from the insurer but hundreds of thousands of dollars can be left on the table if you don't take more action.

The Insurer Is Not On Your Side

Don't allow the stress of the accident to make you vulnerable to the insurance adjuster. These insurance professionals are trained to keep their company's losses to a minimum and that means the following:

• Offering a check soon after the accident and before you have a chance to speak to a lawyer.
• Asking you to give a recorded statement and using it against you when determining a settlement.
• Failing to pay medical bills or other claims, not returning phone calls, etc.

How To Be Compensated

Accident victims need not accept an inadequate settlement. Never agree to a settlement, sign a release, or cash or deposit a check without speaking to a personal injury lawyer first. You need expert help to look at your case and determine the true nature of your damages and what you are owed. In addition to knowing what you are owed, a personal injury lawyer is skilled at negotiating with the insurer to get you the settlement you deserve. Speak to an auto accident lawyer about your accident and the way it has affected your life today.

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